EU imposes new sanctions on Iran for supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine
Illustrative photo: European Council (Getty Images)
The European Union on January 29 imposed new sanctions on Iran due to the Tehran regime’s support for Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, accordng to the official journal of the EU Council.
It is noted that the military support Russia receives from the Tehran regime poses a direct threat to the security of the European Union. In response, the European Council has imposed sanctions on four individuals and six organizations from Iran.
The sanctions target participants in Iran’s state programs for the development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as its missile program. Those on the list include:
-
Khojir Missile Development and Production – a company involved in the development of Iranian ballistic missiles.
-
Sahara Thunder – a front company of the Iranian Ministry of Defense that provides logistics and other support for the Iranian military.
-
Two private companies involved in supplying critical goods to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
-
Iranian businessmen, CEOs, and shareholders of private companies engaged in Iran’s ballistic missile programs and UAV development.
"Today’s decision brings the total number of those sanctioned under this regime to 24 individuals and 26 entities. The sanctions regime was last extended until 27 July 2026," the statement said.
The sanctions include a ban on the export, sale, transfer, or supply from EU countries to Iran of any components and technologies used in the development and production of UAVs and missiles, including:
-
Specialized materials;
-
Associated equipment;
-
Energy materials and blends;
-
processing equipment;
-
Electronics;
-
Computers;
-
Communication devices;
-
Information security tools;
-
Sensors, lasers, navigation instruments, and avionics;
-
Aerospace technologies;
-
Engines;
-
Technologies that could be used for the development of missiles and UAVs.
Today, the EU targeted not only Iran but also the Kremlin. On January 29, the EU officially added Russia to the blacklist of countries with a high risk of money laundering and terrorist financing.
Preparations are also ongoing for the 20th sanctions package against Russia. According to France, the new package is intended to block Russia’s shadow fleet. This aligns with Ukraine’s position, which believes that striking the shadow fleet and Russia’s oil trade more broadly could force the Russians to confront reality and move toward peace.
